Factors associated with inattentive responding in online survey research

We describe a method assessing inattentive responding in internet-based studies and explore factors associated with this problem. We inserted ‘bogus’ items into an online questionnaire completed by 210 participants and looked at associations between items and possible predictors. We found evidence of inattentive responding despite all participants being willing volunteers. Inattentive responding was related to being male and lower scores on conscientiousness, openness to experience and agreeableness. Researchers carrying out internet-based research should use methods, such as inserting ‘bogus’ items, to detect inattentive responders with a view to excluding their data.